Orchard Energy founder Gareth Henderson has announced that he is to step down as managing director of the firm to focus full time on his role as head of Orchard Facilities Management.

Henderson launched Orchard Energy in Huddersfield in 2004 with his wife Rachel and went on to establish Orchard Facilities Management in 2005. He sold Orchard Energy to the Lakehouse Group in 2015, remaining in his role as managing director.

Henderson said: “Orchard Facilities Management has grown significantly in recent years and now deserves my full attention to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

“I am looking forward to having more time to concentrate on establishing it as a national player in the FM field with its own dedicated headquarters in Yorkshire.”

Orchard Facilities Management will move into its own premises at Independence House in Huddersfield in March. The business has created 8 new roles in the past 12 months and Henderson said the current head count of 30 would increase to 50 within three years.

“We have plans to open new offices at strategic points around the UK to establish regional teams and strong local relationships, something that has been instrumental in the success of the business to date.

“At the same time we will be expanding our customer service, sales and administrative teams here in Huddersfield creating new jobs for the area.”

Orchard Facilities Management works with businesses nationwide providing a complete facilities management function including waste management, IT managed services, pest control, maintenance and compliance. Clients include York based Pavers shoes, United Carpets, Caring For Life, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and the Devonshire Group of hotels.

Henderson said: “Orchard Facilities Management has an exciting future ahead and a talented team of individuals to take it forward.”